Byadagi chilli market faces poor road conditions despite high revenue

HAVERI

Byadagi, home to a prominent international chilli market, struggles with substandard roads unfit even for a walk. Despite generating an annual turnover above Rs 3,000 crore and being Asia's second-largest market, an 800-metre stretch of the town's main thoroughfare contains over 300 large potholes. The road connecting Pandurang Movie Theatre to SJJM School has irked local residents and motorists due to its bad condition. The market serves as a vital employment hub, supporting 8,000 individuals directly and indirectly, while generating substantial tax revenue. Nevertheless, consecutive governments have failed to deliver essential infrastructure, especially adequate roadways. Town residents have launched more than 100 protests advocating for the expansion and improvement of Byadagi's main road, highlighting the deplorable road conditions to officials. Despite legal challenges and substantial market profits, both Congress and the BJP administrations overlooked basic infrastructure needs. A fresh indefinite protest movement has commenced, with demonstrators determined to achieve a resolution. The fifth day of successful protests, garnering support from various organisations. Deputy Commissioner Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar and Superintendent of Police Anshu Kumar visited to negotiate with protesters, who remained unconvinced.

Demonstrators expressed their frustration by conducting a buffalo-showering demonstration to protest the delayed road development.

The town has been witnessing more than 500 goods vehicles twice every week during chilli season. These are across the state and Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and other states for chilli business purposes.

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“As the Byadagi main road issue is currently before High Court, legal proceedings are expected to take a minimum of four months to resolve. Considering this timeline, I have appealed to the demonstrators to cease their protest activities and collaborate with the district authorities to facilitate the road development project,” Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar, Deputy Commissioner.